Therapeutic bed or gurney for thermal diagnosis and treatment of a human

ABSTRACT

The described apparatuses, devices, and mechanisms are configured to measure the temperature of one or more Abreu brain thermal tunnel (ABTT) terminuses. In addition, some embodiments are configured to provide treatment for the diagnosed conditions and diseases.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of priority to U.S. ProvisionalPatent Application No. 62/245,010, filed on Oct. 22, 2015, which ishereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This disclosure relates to devices used to support a reclining humanpatient or subject, such as a bed or gurney. The bed or gurney isconfigured to provide a thermal diagnosis and therapeutic thermaltreatment to the reclining human patient or subject. Such thermaldiagnosis and treatment can include providing or removing heat from apatient or subject.

BACKGROUND

Hospital beds and gurneys are devices commonly used in hospitals and inmedical transports, including airplanes, ambulances, rescue vehicles,helicopters, ships, etc. Such beds can support devices such as IV dripsand electronic sensor panels. Thermal diagnosis includes the use ofthermometers at various body locations and thermal treatment includesthe use of blankets, HVAC, and ice.

SUMMARY

This disclosure provides a brain modification system comprising ahorizontally-extending patient support device for supporting a patient,a plurality of temperature modification devices, at least onetemperature sensor, and a processor. The plurality of temperaturemodification devices are positioned on the support device, including atleast one temperature modification device positioned to provide heat toor to remove heat from a respective one of a plurality of extremities ofthe patient. Each of the plurality of temperature modification devicesis formed of a flexible material. The at least one temperature sensor issized and dimensioned to acquire a temperature measurement from an Abreubrain thermal tunnel (ABTT) terminus located between an eye and aneyebrow of the patient and is configured to transmit a signalrepresentative of the temperature measurement. The processor isconfigured to control the plurality of temperature modification devicesand configured to receive the signal from the at least one temperaturesensor. The processor configured to determine from the signal ahypothermic or hyperthermic condition of the patient, to control theplurality of temperature modification devices to remove heat from atleast one of the plurality of extremities when a hypothermic conditionis determined, and to control the plurality of temperature modificationdevices to provide heat to at least one of the plurality of extremitieswhen a hyperthermic condition is detected.

Advantages and features of the embodiments of this disclosure willbecome more apparent from the following detailed description ofexemplary embodiments when viewed in conjunction with the accompanyingdrawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a simplified view of the Abreu brain thermal tunnel (ABTT)and facial veins associated with the ABTT.

FIG. 2 shows a simplified partial cross-sectional view through a humanhead in a vertical direction, showing the ABTT and certain other facialfeatures.

FIG. 3 shows a stylized representation of a flow of blood into and outfrom a brain core.

FIG. 4 shows a plan view of a thermal diagnosis and therapeutic systemin accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5 shows a block diagram view of a controller in accordance with anexemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 6 shows a plan view of another thermal diagnosis and therapeuticsystem in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 7 shows a headgear compatible with the thermal diagnosis andtherapeutic systems of the present disclosure in accordance with anexemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 8 shows a perspective view of yet another thermal diagnosis andtherapeutic system in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 9 shows a perspective view of a portion of a thermal diagnosis andtherapeutic system in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 10 shows a plan view of yet a further thermal diagnosis andtherapeutic system in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 11 shows a perspective view of still another thermal diagnosis andtherapeutic system in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 12 shows an exemplary graph of representative temperatures fortreatment of a hypothermic patient or subject.

FIG. 13 shows an exemplary graph of representative temperatures fortreatment of a hyperthermic patient or subject.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The Abreu brain thermal tunnel (ABTT) provides a unique opportunity todiagnose an array of conditions and diseases that were previouslydifficult or even impossible to diagnose, and to treat those diseasesand conditions, as disclosed by Applicant in co-pending U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 14/512,421, filed on Oct. 11, 2014, Ser. No.14/512,427, filed on Oct. 11, 2014, Ser. No. 14/593,848, filed on Jan.9, 2015, Ser. No. 14/594,122, filed on Jan. 10, 2015, and Ser. No.14/603,353, filed on Jan. 22, 2015, incorporated herein by reference intheir entirety. The present disclosure provides beds and gurneys for theautomatic diagnosis of conditions and diseases via a terminus of theABTT and automatic thermal treatment of those conditions and diseases.

Diagnosis and treatment of human conditions, particularly conditionsthat affect the internal core and brain temperature of a human, such ashypothermia and hyperthermia, can be difficult to diagnose accurately.Even when such conditions can be diagnosed accurately, treatment of suchconditions is challenging because it is relatively easy to cause a brainor organ temperature condition that leads to organ shutdown and death.The devices of the present disclosure provide improved systems andapparatuses that diagnose human thermal conditions by non-invasivelymeasuring the internal or core temperature of a patient or subject, andmodifying body temperature to restore internal or core temperatureeffectively while minimizing additional organ damage or without sendinga body into shock leading to death.

The present disclosure arises from the discovery that the Abreu brainthermal tunnel, or ABTT, provides the first known structure forbrain-surface thermodynamic communication and thermal connectiondirectly with the center of the brain. Anatomically and physiologicallyspeaking, and as shown in FIGS. 1-3 , ABTT 12 includes a continuous,direct, and undisturbed connection between a brain core 24 at thecontrol center of the brain and the skin of ABTT terminus 10. The skinof ABTT terminus 10 is unique in that it is the thinnest skin with thefewest layers of any skin on a human body, it is absent a fat layer, andit has the high thermal conductivity of any skin on the human body.

The physical and physiological events at one end of the tunnel arereproduced at the opposite end. Thus, ABTT 12 enables the directtransfer of temperature signals from brain core 24 to ABTT terminus 10without significant barriers, as described in co-pending U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 14/512,421. Furthermore, modification oftemperature at ABTT terminus 10, including application of heat andremoval of heat, colloquially and conventionally described as cooling,applying cold, and the like, directly affects brain core 24, andultimately, the entire body of the patient or subject. Accordingly, thepresent disclosure includes descriptions of apparatuses for acquiringtemperature signals from ABTT terminus 10, analyzing those signals, anddetermining a human condition from those signals. In addition,apparatuses for the treatment of human conditions can be combined withtemperature acquisition apparatuses, as disclosed herein.

Anatomy shows the convergence of four veins at ABTT target area 10:frontal 14, superior palpebral 16, supraorbital 18, and angular 20. Asangular vein 20 extends further from ABTT 12, it transitions into facialvein 22. Having converged, there is a direct, valve-free connection fromABTT terminus or target area 10 between an eye 32 and an eyebrow 28 intothe center of the brain, i.e., brain core 24, which is the temperaturecenter present in the hypothalamus or thermal storage area of the bodypresent in the cavernous sinus.

FIGS. 1 and 2 show the approximate location of these veins in relationto other facial features. Angular/facial vein 20/22 runs up alongsidenose 26, superior palpebral vein 16 runs along eyebrow 28, and frontalvein 14 and supraorbital vein 18 run through forehead 30, all positionedon a head 34. For the purposes of disclosure, terminology referring torelevant facial areas or veins herein will be described as one or moreof the above-referenced veins and ABTT target area 10.

As described herein, veins 14, 16, 18, 20, and 22 converge in thesuperomedial orbit in the region of the upper eyelid and adjacent to thebridge of the nose, and flow directly, without inhibition, to the centerof the brain. The skin in this area, as shown in pending applications byApplicant, is the thinnest skin in the body and free of fat, providingan unexpectedly rapid communication of temperature from the brain coreto the skin of ABTT terminus 10. These vessels lack valves, which aretypically an important barrier to blood flow and the direct and rapidtransmission of temperature signals. Without valves, these blood vesselstruly provide a direct, uninhibited passage for transporting temperaturesignals directly to and from the hypothalamic region of the brain.Moreover, ABTT 12 includes a superior ophthalmic vein (SOV) 23, whichconnects the skin surface to the brain and corresponds to the centralportion of the tunnel (ABTT 12), is valveless, and has bidirectionalblood flow. The SOV lies directly underneath the skin of thesuperomedial orbit, between eye 32 and eyebrow 28, and is a directconduit from the surface of the skin at the facial end of ABTT 12, i.e.,ABTT terminus 10, to the brain, and then to the hypothalamus. Thehypothalamic region of the brain is the link between the central nervoussystem and the endocrine system and, as such, acts as the center ofcontrol for many basic bodily functions such as, for example, hunger,thirst, body temperature, fatigue, blood pressure, immune responses,circadian cycles, hormone production and secretion, and many others.

The facial end of ABTT 12, herein referred to as a target area, orterminus 10 on the skin on, over, or adjacent to ABTT 12, measures about11 mm in diameter measured from the medial corner of eye 32 at themedial canthal tendon and extends superiorly for about an additional 6or 7 mm in an ABTT superior projection 11, and then extends into anupper eyelid in a horn-like projection 13 for another 22 mm. ABTTterminus 10 is absent fat, and a ABTT superior projection and ahorn-like projection are absent fat in areas near to ABTT terminus 10,with a fat layer present in areas a spaced distance away from ABTTterminus 10.

FIG. 4 shows a plan view of a thermal diagnosis and therapeutic system50 in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.System 50 includes many of the basic elements needed to diagnose thermalconditions of a human subject or patient 36 automatically, whilesupporting subject or patient 36. System 50 includes a bed 52, acontroller 54, a headgear 56, and extremity interfaces, such as handinterfaces, mittens, or gloves 58 and foot interfaces or booties 60.

Bed 52 extends generally in a horizontal direction functions to supporta patient or subject (not shown in FIG. 4 ).

Headgear 56, also shown in FIG. 6 , is configured to be positioned onand supported by head 34 of a patient or subject 62. Headgear 56includes a support portion or cap 64, and one or more adjustable arms 66supported by support portion 64. Adjustable arms 66 may also bedescribed as flexible arms. Support portion or cap 64 can be adjustableto provide a proper fit to various head sizes. Headgear 56 is connectedto controller 54 by one or more cables or wires 68, which connects powerfrom controller 54 to elements of headgear 56, and which connectssignals from elements of headgear 56 to controller 54. It should beunderstood that control signals transmitted to headgear 54 and signalsfrom headgear 54 can be transmitted or received wirelessly.

Each adjustable arm 66 includes at least a temperature sensor 70positioned on or near an end of adjustable arm 66. Each adjustable arm66 may also include a heating or cooling device, such as athermoelectric device 72. Each temperature sensor 70 is sized anddimensioned to interface with an ABTT terminus 10 to acquire atemperature measurement from ABTT terminus 10. Wires (not shown) runthrough support portion 64 and through adjustable arms 66 to providepower from cable or wire 68 to thermoelectric devices 72 and to providesignals representative of temperature from temperature sensors 70 tocable or wire 68. In an exemplary embodiment, wires from cable or wire68 extend through adjustable arms 66 to connect to temperature sensors70 and thermoelectric devices 72. In another exemplary embodiment, cableor wire 68 attaches to a connector 74, and wires extend from connector74 to temperature sensors 70 and thermoelectric devices 72.

After headgear 56 is positioned on the head of patient or subject 62,each temperature sensor 70 is positioned on, near, adjacent, oralongside a respective ABTT terminus 10 by adjusting the position ofeach adjustable arm 66. The proximity of thermoelectric devices 72 totemperature sensor 70 also positions each thermoelectric device 72 in anarea near a respective ABTT terminus 10. It should be understood that itis preferable for temperature sensors 70 and thermoelectric devices 72to be in direct contact with ABTT terminus 10 for maximum transfer ofheat to and from temperature sensor 70 and thermoelectric devices 72.However, it is contemplated that a temperature modification deviceand/or temperature sensing device can be positioned a spaced distancefrom ABTT terminus 10. For example, an infrared light sensor can detectinfrared light or radiation that can be correlated to a temperature ofABTT terminus 10 without contacting ABTT terminus 10. Though not shown,additional temperature modification devices can be positioned to providehit to or remove hit from the skin over veins 14, 16, 18, 20, and 22 aslong as skin on the rest of the face is not affected by the additionaltemperature modification devices to avoid stimulation of facial thermalreceptors.

Each hand interface 58 and each foot interface 60 includes heatingand/or cooling elements, such as thermoelectric devices 76, and one ormore temperature sensors 78, and thus hand interfaces 58 and footinterfaces 60 function as temperature modification devices. Temperaturesensors 78 terminate at or near an interior surface 80 of a respectivehand interface 58 or a respective foot interface 60 to providetemperature measurements of the skin of a foot or a hand. Each handinterface 58 and each foot interface 60 can be formed of a flexible orcompliant material for better conformance of hand interface 58 and footinterface 60 to an associated hand or foot.

Each hand interface 58 and each foot interface 60 is connected tocontroller 54 by a cable or wire 82. Cable or wire 82 connects powersupplied by controller 54 to thermoelectric devices 76, and connectssignals from temperature sensors 78 to controller 54, though signals,such as signals from temperature sensors 78, can also be transmittedfrom hand interfaces 58 and foot interfaces 60 wirelessly, as well asany control signals to hand interfaces 58 and foot interfaces 60 thatmay be transmitted by controller 54.

Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5 , controller 54 includes a power supply 84, aphysical processor 86 (e.g., a CPU), a non-transitory memory 88, aninput module 90, and a display 92. Input module 90 can include aplurality of controls, such as buttons and switches, which can includean ON/OFF button or switch 94, various buttons and switches 96configured to control the operation of controller 54, andincrement/decrement controls 98 that control increase and decrease intemperature of thermoelectric devices 76. It should be understood thatwhile separate physical switches are shown in the exemplary embodimentof FIG. 4 , such switches may be soft switches accessed by a touchscreen of display 92, or other types of control input.

Power supply 84 can be energized by ON/OFF switch 94, which thenprovides power to processor 86, non-transitory memory 88, though suchpower to non-transitory memory 88 can be via processor 86, input module90, and display 92. Once the internal elements of controller 54 arepowered, processor 86 will proceed through a startup process, duringwhich software from non-transitory memory 88 or from firmware will beaccessed by processor 86 to prepare thermal diagnosis and therapeuticsystem 50 for operation.

Either before or after system 50 is initialized, an operator canposition headgear 56 on the head of a patient or subject, such aspatient or subject 62, and then position adjustable arms 66 such that atleast one temperature sensor 70 contacts a respective ABTT terminus 10.The operator further positions hand interfaces 58 and foot interfaces 60on the hands and feet, respectively, of patient or subject 62. Afterpositioning headgear 56, hand interfaces 58, and foot interfaces 60,buttons and switches 96 can be actuated, sending signals to input module90 to operate controller 54 to receive or acquire signals representingtemperature information from at least one temperature sensor 70. In anexemplary embodiment, controller 54 can be operated to receive oracquire signals representing temperature from a plurality of temperaturesensors 78 positioned on hand interfaces 58 and foot interfaces 60. Asdescribed in more detail below, in an exemplary embodiment, controller54 can automatically control the operation of thermoelectric devices 76,or thermoelectric devices 76 can be manually controlled by, for example,increment/decrement controls 98, which send signals to input module 90.

It should be understood that signals received or generated by inputmodule 90 are provided to processor 86 in an exemplary embodiment.However, input module 90 may also directly control some elements ofcontroller 54, such as certain functions of display 92. It should alsobe understood that the various elements of controller 54 are connectedto each other by various interconnections 100, which may be configuredas a wire harness.

System 50 can operate to diagnose a thermal condition of a patient bymeasuring the temperature of ABTT terminus 10 because, as explainedhereinabove, ABTT terminus 10 provides an accurate representation of thetemperature of brain core 24, which is also representative of the coretemperature of the body. For example, if patient or subject 62 ishypothermic, the temperature of ABTT terminus 10 will be below thenormal temperature range for humans. For example, hypothermia can bedefined as a core temperature below 95 degrees Fahrenheit.

When system 50 detects a hypothermic condition, system 50 is configuredto provide two responses. First, heat that is greater than 95 degreesFahrenheit can be immediately provided to at least one ABTT terminus 10.For example, heat that is 1-3 degrees Fahrenheit greater than themeasured temperature of ABTT terminus 10 can be applied directly to atleast one ABTT terminus 10. Second, an increased temperature can beapplied to hands and feet via or by way of hand interfaces 58 and footinterfaces 60, though at a temperature that remains substantially lowerthan core temperature.

For example, an exemplary temperature applied to the extremities shouldbe no more than 1 degree Fahrenheit greater than the skin temperature ofthe extremities. The reason for limiting the temperature increase to theextremities is that the extremities contain numerous thermal receptors,and the brain can consider excessive heat applied to the extremities asa signal that the body is becoming too cold, which then causes the brainto respond by cooling the body core in anticipation of warmtemperatures. Such cooling makes hypothermia worse, and can lead toshock, organ damage, and organ shut down, potentially leading to death.However, by maintaining a temperature of hand interfaces 58 and footinterfaces 60 near the skin temperature of the extremities of ahypothermic patient or subject, though slightly elevated, such as byabout one degree Fahrenheit, the brain perceives the temperature of theextremities to be cold, and the brain responds by drawing heat from anyavailable source, which includes heat applied to ABTT terminus 10. Theheat applied to ABTT terminus 10 is drawn directly through ABTT 12 intobrain core 24, which rapidly raises the temperature of the brain, whichimproves in function as it warms so that it can then further control thefunction of other elements of the body to raise body core temperature,quickly alleviating a hypothermic condition.

When system 50 detects a hyperthermic condition, system 50 is configuredto provide two responses, similar to detection of a hypothermiccondition. However, the responses in this situation are opposite theresponses for hypothermia. First, cooling that is less than the measuredtemperature of ABTT terminus 10 can be immediately provided to at leastone ABTT terminus 10. For example, heat that is 1-3 degrees Fahrenheitlower than the measured temperature of ABTT terminus 10 can be applieddirectly to at least one ABTT terminus 10. Second, an increasedtemperature can be applied to hands and feet via or by way of handinterfaces 58 and foot interfaces 60, though at a temperature thatremains substantially lower than core temperature. Activation of thermalreceptors in the hands and feet by an elevated temperature is perceivedby the brain as an impending increase in environmental temperature. Thebrain responds to this perception by decreasing the temperature of thebrain, thus cooling the brain and alleviating the hyperthermiccondition.

FIG. 7 shows a plan view of another thermal diagnosis and therapeuticsystem 150 in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the presentdisclosure. System 150 includes a bed 152, a controller 154, a pluralityof hand interfaces 156, a plurality of foot interfaces 158, a torsointerface 160, headgear 64, and a cable/wiring harness 162 forconnecting the various elements of system 150 to each other.

Hand interfaces 156, foot interfaces 158, and torso interface 160 eachfunction as temperature modification devices for warming or cooling ofhands, feet, and torso of a subject, user, or patient. Each of handinterfaces 156, foot interfaces 158, and torso interface 160 can includethermoelectric devices to provide heating and cooling, or other devicesthat preferably have the ability to heat and cool. Torso interface 160is generally sized and dimensioned to provide heat or remove heat, i.e.,cool, only a torso of a patient, though portions of arms, legs, and neckcan be warmed or cooled, as long as torso interface 160 is positionedaway from the extremities.

Bed 152 can be a modified hospital bed. Controller 154 can be similar tocontroller 54 shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 , though with the ability toseparately control temperature modification device 160. Headgear 64 canbe the headgear described hereinabove and shown in FIGS. 4 and 6 .

To maximize effectiveness of cooling or warming brain core 24, theextremities, i.e., the hands and the feet, are cooled by hand interfaces156 and foot interfaces 158 for hypothermic conditions, and are warmedby hand interfaces 156 and foot interfaces 158 for hyperthermicconditions, while the torso is warmed for hypothermic conditions and iscooled for hyperthermic conditions. Because the brain believes that coolambient temperatures exist when the extremities are cooled, as indicatedto the brain by thermal receptors in the hands and/or feet, the brainmoves heat from other regions of the body, especially the warmed orheated torso, to critical areas, such as brain core 24 and otherinternal organs, alleviating a hypothermic condition. Similarly, whenthe brain believes warm temperatures are present when the extremitiesare warmed, as indicated to the brain by thermal receptors in the handsand/or feet, the brain moves cooler blood from the cooled torso to braincore 24 and other internal organs. Thus, system 150 is able to takeadvantage of the brain's use of thermal sensors in the extremities todirect heated or cooled blood from the torso to critical areas of thebody.

FIG. 8 shows a perspective view of yet another thermal diagnosis andtherapeutic system 170 in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of thepresent disclosure. System 170 is functionally similar to system 150shown in FIG. 7 , and includes a bed 172, a controller 174, a pluralityof hand interfaces 176, a plurality of foot interfaces 178, a torsointerface 180, headgear 64, and a cable/wiring harness 182 forconnecting the various elements of system 170 to each other.

Hand interfaces 176, foot interfaces 178, and torso interface 180 eachfunction as temperature modification devices for warming or cooling ofhands, feet, and torso of a subject, user, or patient. Each of handinterfaces 176, foot interfaces 178, and torso interface 180 can includethermoelectric devices to provide heating and cooling, or other devicesthat preferably have the ability to heat and cool.

Bed 172 can be a modified hospital bed. Controller 174 can be similar tocontroller 154 shown in FIG. 7 . Headgear 64 can be the headgeardescribed hereinabove and shown in FIGS. 4 and 6 .

System 170 includes a plurality of storage locations receptacles 184positioned and supported on bed 172 for storage of hand interfaces 176and foot interfaces 178 when interfaces 176 and 178 are not in use.System 170 further includes a storage receptacle 186 at least partiallypositioned on an underside of a mattress 188 for storage of torsointerface 180 for storage of torso interface 180 when interface 180 isnot in use. Each temperature modification device 176, 178, and 180 isattached to a retraction mechanism 190, which can be supported on arespective storage receptacle 184 and 186 or on bed 172. Retractionmechanism 190 can be, for example, a spring-loaded torsion windingmechanism, a weighted end, a motor, etc.

FIG. 9 shows a perspective view of a portion of a thermal diagnosis andtherapeutic system 200 in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of thepresent disclosure. System 200 is functionally similar to system 150shown in FIG. 7 , and includes a bed 202, a controller (not shown), aplurality of hand interfaces 206, a plurality of foot interfaces 208, atorso interface 210, headgear 64, and a cable/wiring harness (not shown)for connecting the various elements of system 170 to each other.

Hand interfaces 206, foot interfaces 208, and torso interface 210 eachfunction as temperature modification devices for warming or cooling ofhands, feet, and torso of a subject, user, or patient. Each of handinterfaces 206, foot interfaces 208, and torso interface 210 can includethermoelectric devices to provide heating and cooling, or other devicesthat preferably have the ability to heat and cool.

Bed 202 can be a modified hospital bed. Headgear 64 can be the headgeardescribed hereinabove and shown in FIGS. 4 and 6 .

System 200 includes a plurality of storage receptacles 214 and 216 thatare positioned and supported on bed 202 for storage of hand interfaces206 and foot interfaces 208 when interfaces 206 and 208 are not in use.Each storage receptacle 214 and 216 is integrally positioned within aportion of bed 202, such as a frame portion, a mattress support, or amattress 218. Each temperature modification device 206, 208, and 210 canbe attached to a retraction mechanism (not shown) supported by bed 202.The retraction mechanism can be, for example, a spring-loaded torsionwinding mechanism, a weighted end, a motor, etc.

One hand interface 206 and one foot interface 208 is shown extended inFIG. 9 , with all other interfaces shown retracted for storage into bed202 when not in use.

FIG. 10 shows a perspective view of yet another thermal diagnosis andtherapeutic system 230 in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of thepresent disclosure. System 230 is functionally similar to system 150shown in FIG. 7 , and includes a bed 232, a controller 234, a pluralityof hand interfaces 236, a plurality of foot interfaces 238, a torsointerface 240, a plurality of fluid hoses, tubes, or lines 242, headgear64, and a cable/wiring harness 244 for connecting the various electricalelements of system 230 to each other.

Hand interfaces 236, foot interfaces 238, and torso interface 240 eachfunction as temperature modification devices for warming or cooling ofhands, feet, and torso of a subject, user, or patient. Each of handinterfaces 236, foot interfaces 238, and torso interface 240 is warmedor cooled by temperature controlled fluid provided by way of fluid lines242. The temperature controlled fluid is cooled or warmed by a separatechiller/heater unit that can be a separate element or can be part ofcontroller 234.

Bed 232 can be a modified hospital bed. Controller 234 can includeelements similar to controller 154 shown in FIG. 7 to interface withheadgear 64, along with additional control devices for controlling theflow of fluid through fluid lines 242, and for controlling thetemperature of fluid flowing through fluid lines 242. Headgear 64 can bethe headgear described hereinabove and shown in FIGS. 4 and 6 .

Hand interfaces 236 can be configured as mittens, and foot interfaces238 can be configured as booties. Torso interface 240 is secured eitherto bedding or to bed 232 by fasteners 246, such as snaps. The advantageto this system is that it is readily adaptable to any conventionalhospital bed with little or no modification to the bed. Note that torsotemperature modification device 240 can include an upper portion 248 anda lower portion 250 to form a pocket for a patient or subject's torso;in this arrangement fasteners 246 can secure upper portion 248 to lowerportion 250.

FIG. 11 shows a perspective view of yet another thermal diagnosis andtherapeutic system 260 in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of thepresent disclosure. System 260 is functionally similar to system 150shown in FIG. 7 , and includes a gurney 262, a controller 264, aplurality of hand interfaces 266, at least one foot interface 268, atorso interface 270, headgear 64, and a cable/wiring harness 272 forconnecting the various elements of system 260 to each other.

Hand interfaces 266, at least one foot interfaces 268, and torsointerface 270 each function as temperature modification devices forwarming or cooling of hands, feet, and torso of a subject, user, orpatient. Each of hand interfaces 266, foot interface 268, and torsointerface 270 can include thermoelectric devices to provide heating andcooling, or other devices that preferably have the ability to heat andcool.

Gurney 262 can be a modified hospital gurney that provides attachmentpositions or storage locations for hand interfaces 266 and headgear 64.Controller 264 can be similar to controller 154 shown in FIG. 7 and canbe powered from an external power source by way of power cable 280.Headgear 64 can be the headgear described hereinabove and shown in FIGS.4 and 6 . Temperature modification device 270 can be attached to gurney262 by fasteners 282. Multiple rows of fasteners 282 can be provided tomake the torso warmer/cooler and/or adjustable for different sizedpatients, or a retraction/tightening mechanism (not shown) can beloosened or tightened for different size patients. The system of FIG. 11is powered by a vehicle power system, batteries, or locally availablepower by way of power cable 280.

FIG. 12 shows an exemplary graph of representative temperatures fortreatment of a hypothermic patient or subject. An exemplary systemdetermines core temperature via ABTT terminus 10. Once the hypothermiccondition is determined, an exemplary system begins heating/cooling theextremities and torso, though opposite to each other (extremitiesheated, torso cooled) to cause the brain to move warmer torso blood tocool internal organs and brain core 24. The torso temperature is slowlyand steadily increased to a predetermined maximum temperature while theextremities are cooled to a predetermined minimum temperature. Coolingand warming at a maximum predetermined rate, such as 0.5 degreesFahrenheit per minute, reduces the risk of shock. As the ABTTtemperature increases into a normal range, extremity cooling is slowlyreduced while torso heating is similarly slowly reduced until normaltemperatures are obtained and are stable.

FIG. 13 shows an exemplary graph of representative temperatures fortreatment of a hyperthermic patient or subject. An exemplary systemdetermines core temperature via ABTT terminus 10. Once the hyperthermiccondition is determined, an exemplary system begins heating/cooling theextremities and torso, though opposite to each other (extremitiesheated, torso cooled) to cause the brain to move cooler torso blood tocool internal organs and brain core. The torso temperature is slowly andsteadily decreased to a predetermined maximum temperature while theextremities are warmed to a predetermined minimum temperature. Warmingand cooling at a maximum predetermined rate, such as 0.5 degreesFahrenheit per minute, reduces the risk of shock. As the ABTTtemperature decreases into the normal range, extremity warming is slowlyreduced while torso cooling is similarly slowly reduced until normaltemperatures are obtained and are stable.

While various embodiments of the disclosure have been shown anddescribed, it is understood that these embodiments are not limitedthereto. The embodiments can be changed, modified, and further appliedby those skilled in the art. Therefore, these embodiments are notlimited to the detail shown and described previously, but also includeall such changes and modifications.

I claim:
 1. A brain temperature modification system, comprising: ahorizontally-extending patient support device for supporting a patient;a plurality of temperature modification devices positioned on thehorizontally-extending patient support device, including at least onetemperature modification device positioned to provide heat to or toremove heat from a respective one of a plurality of extremities of thepatient, the extremities consisting of the patient's hands and feet,each of the plurality of temperature modification devices formed of aflexible material; a torso temperature modification device sized anddimensioned to provide heat to or remove heat from only a torso of thepatient; at least one temperature sensor sized and dimensioned toacquire a temperature measurement from an Abreu brain thermal tunnel(ABTT) terminus located between an eye and an eyebrow of the patient andconfigured to transmit a signal representative of the temperaturemeasurement; and a processor configured to receive the signal from theat least one temperature sensor, the processor configured to determinefrom the signal a hypothermic condition or a hyperthermic condition ofthe patient, to control the plurality of temperature modificationdevices to remove heat from at least one of the plurality of extremitieswhen the hypothermic condition is determined, and to control theplurality of temperature modification devices to provide heat to atleast one of the plurality of extremities when the hyperthermiccondition is detected; the processor controlling operation of the torsotemperature modification device, and the processor being configured tooperate the torso temperature modification device to apply heat to thetorso when the hypothermic condition is detected and configured tooperate the torso temperature modification device to remove heat fromthe torso when the hyperthermic condition is detected, the operation ofthe torso modification device being performed simultaneously withoperation of the plurality of temperature modification devices.
 2. Thebrain temperature modification system of claim 1, wherein each of thetemperature modification devices includes at least one thermoelectricdevice.
 3. The brain temperature modification system of claim 1, whereineach of the temperature modification devices includes temperaturecontrolled fluid flowing through the temperature modification device. 4.The brain temperature modification system of claim 1, wherein the torsotemperature modification device is configured to be secured adjacent tothe patient by a plurality of fasteners.
 5. The brain temperaturemodification system of claim 1, wherein at least one of the temperaturemodification devices is configured as a glove.
 6. The brain temperaturemodification system of claim 1, wherein at least one of the temperaturemodification devices is configured as a bootie.
 7. The brain temperaturemodification system of claim 1, wherein one of the temperaturemodification devices is positioned to transfer heat to or to remove heatfrom at least one of the ABTT terminus and blood vessels directlyconnected to the ABTT without transferring heat to or removing heat fromregions of skin positioned away from the ABTT terminus and away fromblood vessels directly connected to the ABTT.
 8. The brain temperaturemodification system of claim 1, wherein the horizontally-extendingpatient support device includes a plurality of storage locations locatedalong at least one side of the horizontally-extending patient supportdevice, each storage location sized and dimensioned for storage of atleast one temperature modification device.
 9. The brain temperaturemodification system of claim 8, wherein each temperature modificationdevice is connected to one of the plurality of storage locations by aretraction mechanism.
 10. The brain temperature modification system ofclaim 1, wherein the horizontally-extending patient support deviceincludes a plurality of integral storage locations, each storagelocation opening on the horizontally-extending patient support devicesuch that each storage location supports at least one temperaturemodification device.
 11. The brain temperature modification system ofclaim 1, wherein the horizontally-extending patient support device isone of a bed and a gurney.
 12. The body core temperature modificationsystem of claim 1, wherein the plurality of temperature modificationdevices are configured to cool the plurality of extremities at a maximumrate of 0.5 degrees Fahrenheit per minute and the torso temperaturemodification device is configured to simultaneously heat the torso at amaximum rate of 0.5 degrees Fahrenheit per minute when the hypothermiccondition is detected and the plurality of temperature modificationdevices are configured to heat the plurality of extremities at a maximumrate of 0.5 degrees Fahrenheit per minute and the torso temperaturemodification device is configured to simultaneously cool the torso at amaximum rate of 0.5 degrees Fahrenheit per minute when the hyperthermiccondition is detected.
 13. A body core temperature modification system,comprising: a horizontally-extending patient support device forsupporting a patient; a plurality of temperature modification devicespositioned on the horizontally extending patient support device toprovide heat to or to remove heat from a plurality of extremities of thepatient at locations spaced away from the head and neck; a torsotemperature modification device sized and dimensioned to provide heat toor remove heat from only a torso of the patient; at least onetemperature sensor sized and dimensioned to acquire a temperaturemeasurement from an Abreu brain thermal tunnel (ABTT) terminus locatedbetween an eye and an eyebrow of the patient and configured to transmita signal representative of the temperature measurement; and a processorconfigured to receive the signal from the at least one temperaturesensor, the processor configured to determine from the signal ahypothermic condition or a hyperthermic condition of the patient, tocontrol the plurality of temperature modification devices to remove heatfrom only the plurality of extremities when the hypothermic condition isdetermined, and to control the plurality of temperature modificationdevices to provide heat to only the plurality of extremities when thehyperthermic condition is detected; the processor controlling operationof the torso temperature modification device, and the processor beingconfigured to operate the torso temperature modification device to applyheat to the torso when the hypothermic condition is detected andconfigured to operate the torso temperature modification device toremove heat from the torso when the hyperthermic condition is detected,the operation of the torso modification device being performedsimultaneously with operation of the plurality of temperaturemodification devices.
 14. The body core temperature modification systemof claim 13, wherein each of the temperature modification devicesincludes at least one thermoelectric device.
 15. The body coretemperature modification system of claim 13, wherein each of thetemperature modification devices includes temperature controlled fluidflowing through the temperature modification device.
 16. The body coretemperature modification system of claim 13, wherein the torsotemperature modification device is configured to be secured adjacent tothe patient by a plurality of fasteners.
 17. The body core temperaturemodification system of claim 13, wherein at least one of the temperaturemodification devices is configured as a glove.
 18. The body coretemperature modification system of claim 13, wherein at least one of thetemperature modification devices is configured as a bootie.
 19. The bodycore temperature modification system of claim 13, wherein one of thetemperature modification devices is positioned to transfer heat to or toremove heat from at least one of the ABTT terminus and blood vesselsdirectly connected to the ABTT without transferring heat to or removingheat from regions of skin positioned away from the ABTT terminus andaway from blood vessels directly connected to the ABTT.
 20. The bodycore temperature modification system of claim 13, wherein thehorizontally-extending patient support device includes a plurality ofstorage locations located along at least one side of thehorizontally-extending patient support device, each storage locationsized and dimensioned for storage of at least one temperaturemodification device.
 21. The body core temperature modification systemof claim 20, wherein each temperature modification device is connectedto one of the plurality of storage location locations by a retractionmechanism.
 22. The body core temperature modification system of claim13, wherein the horizontally-extending patient support device includes aplurality of integral storage locations, each storage location openingon the horizontally-extending patient support device such that eachstorage location supports at least one temperature modification device.23. The body core temperature modification system of claim 13, whereinthe horizontally-extending patient support device is one of a bed and agurney.
 24. The body core temperature modification system of claim 13,wherein the plurality of temperature modification devices are configuredto cool the plurality of extremities at a maximum rate of 0.5 degreesFahrenheit per minute and the torso temperature modification device isconfigured to simultaneously heat the torso at a maximum rate of 0.5degrees Fahrenheit per minute when the hypothermic condition is detectedand the plurality of temperature modification devices are configured toheat the plurality of extremities at a maximum rate of 0.5 degreesFahrenheit per minute and the torso temperature modification device isconfigured to simultaneously cool the torso at a maximum rate of 0.5degrees Fahrenheit per minute when the hyperthermic condition isdetected.